The Full Service plan includes a standard vision examination and materials benefit which provides coverage for frame and lenses or contacts.

The Materials only plan does not include a standard vision examination.

You must complete the enrollment form furnished to you. At enrollment you should mark your coverage selection (i.e. single, limited family or family). If you select limited family or family coverage be sure to include all the information requested for covered dependents, including social security numbers.

Choose a provider from the VIPA provider list. Present your ID card for services.

If you have the Materials Only plan your exam may be covered under your medical insurance, therefore you would choose a provider from your medical insurance provider list for your standard vision examination. Ask for a copy of your prescription. Take your prescription to one of the VIPA providers for your glasses.

If you choose a non-network provider, you will pay for services received. You need to send the original receipt from your non-participating doctor to VIPA for reimbursement up to the maximum allowed. VIPA will then review your eligibility and send the claim to it's claim department for payment. The reimbursement time could range from as little as one week to as much as three weeks depending upon when your receipt is received in the claims payment cycle. The reimbursement is sent to the VIPA member, and not to the doctor. You are responsible for paying the doctor.

In addition, contact lens wearers should be aware that the contact lens benefit can only be used for contact lenses in conjunction with a valid contact lens prescription. A contact lens prescription is more than just an eyeglass prescription and is not covered under the standard vision examination benefit. You will, most likely, incur additional costs. An option would be to have your contact lens examination performed at a VIPA provide. You are then automatically eligible to receive your contact lens materials benefit.

Employees electing single coverage will receive one ID card. Employees electing family or limited family coverage will be issued two ID cards. The VIPA ID card enables the VIPA provider to access VIPA's computer system to determine what you are eligible to receive. The VIPA system is also set up so that the provider is able to rely upon VIPA to guarantee eligibility. Please be aware that your eligibility with VIPA is calculated on a date of service - to date of service method, not calendar year. For example, if you are entitled to an exam once each 12 month and receive your first exam on 6-1-01 you will become eligible again for a new exam on 6-1-02.

VIPA's plan is set up so that you can alternate between glasses and contacts during your plan's specified benefit frequency. The plan will not pay benefits toward both eyeglasses and contact lenses in the same time period, however.

No. You may continue to make use of the remaining amount of your contact lens benefit during the benefit frequency stated in your plan. If you need disposable lenses once every three months, then that is the way you obtain them in the VIPA plan until such time as your benefits have been exhausted. If there were any remaining benefit values at the end of the benefit period, they will be lost if not used.

Both are known as eye doctors and both perform eye examinations. An Optometrist is an eye specialist. An Ophthalmologist is an "eye surgeon." Some of our network Optometrists are now licensed to treat eye infections, prescribe medication and remove foreign bodies.

VIPA has chosen not to include this coverage since records indicate that no more than 15% of the typical group uses this benefit. Yet, if it is included, then everyone is charged the premium for tints and coating whether or not they make use of the benefit. VIPA's providers are often the largest and most competitively priced providers in each area. This helps to assure the member that he or she is receiving good value if they choose to add tints or coating at their own expense.

VIPA allows you to select anything you want as an additional feature. For example, the VIPA benefit will cover the basic eyeglasses even if you decide to pay for the addition of a sunglass tint. The glasses must be prescription glasses: VIPA does not cover non prescription glasses.

All VIPA plans cover clear glass or plastic standard lenses. You may choose to upgrade your lens by paying the difference over and above the standard lens price. For example, if you would like to get progressive lenses your benefit will pay for standard trifocal lenses and you would pay any amount over and above the standard trifocal price.

You may call VIPA's offices Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with any question you may have. If you call during evening or weekend hours you will be able to leave a message on the VIPA voice mail system. Your message will be returned as soon as possible. Another option to reach us is at our e-mail address VIPA@visionplans.com